Cricket – India Opt to Bat in Gabba ODI Opener
Cricket – India began the three-match one-day international series against Australia with a confident call at the toss, choosing to bat first at The Gabba in Brisbane on Tuesday.
India Look to Extend Winning Momentum
The visitors enter the 50-over contest buoyed by their recent 2-1 triumph in the T20I series. That victory was built on several standout individual efforts, giving the side renewed confidence ahead of the longer format.
At the forefront was Smriti Mandhana, whose fluent strokeplay brought her 129 runs across the T20Is. For Australia, Georgia Voll responded with a strong showing of her own, compiling 116 runs in the series. With the ball, India’s Arundhati Reddy led the charge, claiming eight wickets to emerge as the most successful bowler. She found steady support from Sree Charani, who chipped in with five key dismissals.
While the T20I results favored India, the shift to the 50-over format presents a different challenge altogether.
Australia’s Dominance in One-Day Cricket
Australia’s record in women’s ODI cricket remains unmatched. The seven-time world champions have historically controlled this format and hold a significant edge over India in head-to-head meetings. Their ability to build innings patiently and apply sustained pressure with the ball has often separated them from opponents.
Despite that legacy, India will see this series as an opportunity to build on their recent success and test themselves against one of the strongest sides in the game. The conditions at The Gabba, traditionally supportive of pace and bounce, are expected to offer an early examination for both batting units.
A Farewell Series for Alyssa Healy
This home assignment also carries added significance for Australia captain Alyssa Healy. The experienced wicketkeeper-batter is set to retire from international cricket after the conclusion of the series, bringing down the curtain on a distinguished career. Her leadership and aggressive approach at the top of the order have been central to Australia’s dominance over the years.
Speaking after the toss, Healy admitted she would have preferred to bowl first but remained confident about her team’s approach. She emphasized the importance of making good use of a fresh surface and acknowledged that India’s recent form would demand a strong response from the hosts. Healy also confirmed that Australia would be without Ellyse Perry and Kim Garth, both sidelined due to injuries sustained during the third T20I.
Captains Outline Their Plans
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur explained that her side believed batting first was the right option under the conditions. She expressed optimism about maintaining the positive atmosphere within the squad, noting that the team had enjoyed its recent outings and hoped to carry that spirit forward. Harmanpreet also confirmed changes to the lineup, including the return of Kashvee Gautam.
Healy, meanwhile, pointed to Australia’s confidence in their one-day structure. She stressed the need for a solid start in order to regain momentum after the T20I setback, adding that her team takes pride in its record in this format and feels comfortable in home conditions.
Confirmed Playing XIs
India: Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Kashvee Gautam, Sree Charani, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh.
Australia: Alyssa Healy (c), Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll, Beth Mooney (wk), Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Alana King, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown.
With the T20I series settled and a new chapter opening in the ODI format, both sides now turn their attention to a contest that promises a fresh test of skill and temperament.